CHAPTER 20

FERMENTED COLOSTRUM FOR CALVES

Prepared by Drs. Jeff Wichtel and John VanLeeuwen

Feeding fermented colostrum is a healthy meal for your calves. Fermented colostrum is colostrum with
special bacteria (germs) added to allow it to ferment. Fermenting colostrum produces acid and this acid
slows the growth of harmful bacteria.

Advantages of fermenting colostrums:

1) You can store the colostrum for a long period of time, giving options for use
2) You can make full use of the colostrum, like feeding it to your calf for up to 4 weeks
3) Your calf will be stronger and grow faster from this protein rich milk product
4) You don’t feel bad that you cannot ship the first 3 or more days of milk to the Dairy

Method For Making Fermented Colostrum

- Clean pail thoroughly with soap and water. If possible, line pail with a clean garbage bag.
- Use the extra colostrum from the cow’s first milkings. Don’t use colostrum from
cows with mastitis or cows getting injections of medicine.
- Pour colostrum into the pail. Add a cup of lala or yoghurt and close the lid.
- Store the pail in the shade to prevent it from getting hot.
- Stir the colostrum each time you add the next milking of colostrum, or take some for calf.
- You can keep fermented colostrums for 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the storage temperature.
After that, its nutrients start disappearing and mold starts to grow.

Feeding Fermented Colostrum

The first day’s feedings should be the mother's fresh colostrum. Then, fermented colostrum can be fed.
Three parts fermented colostrum can be fed to calves if mixed with two parts water. Only feed the calf 10
per cent of its body weight in feed each day. For example:
Daily Amount

Weight of calf in kg (lbs) Colostrum Water Total Daily Amount

40 - 45 (88 - 99 lbs) 2.5 1.7 4.2
35 - 40 (77 - 88 lbs) 2.2 1.5 3.7
30 - 35 (66 - 77 lbs) 1.9 1.3 3.2
25 - 30 (55 - 66 lbs) 1.6 1.1 2.7

November 2012

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